This Spring Strawberry and Pea Salad with Grilled Chicken and a mint vinaigrette is a favorite salad of the season. It’s colorful and packed with nutrients.
Can we talk about salads for approximately .452 seconds? I feel like salads get a bad rap.
People either love them or loath them, but the people who unfortunately fall into the latter category seem to really, really loath them. And, I can’t help but to think it’s a little misguided. 
But, I get it. Some salads can be boring, bland and leave MUCH to be desired.
With that said, let me introduce you to today’s salad.
It’s a salad so fresh and fabulous it will rock your world… or at least rock your taste buds.
Fresh greens tossed with plump, sweet peas, crisp snap peas, juicy strawberries, salty feta, creamy avocado and crunchy nuts, then topped with tender grilled chicken.
And then, all that sensational salad jazz gets finished with a silky, luscious, tart, slightly sweet and minty fresh vinaigrette.
It’s light and fresh, yet satisfying and jam packed with both texture and flavor.
Basically, it’s a salad done RIGHT.
Spring salad mix is simply a mixture of fresh greens and lettuces of varying colors, tastes and textures.
There are approximately 16 greens included in a spring salad mix, including red romaine, baby spinach, arugula and radicchio to name a few.
While this salad utilizes spring salad mix, I also like to throw some bibb lettuce into the mix as it is, personally, my favorite lettuce.
Recipe notes, tips and tricks for Spring Pea & Strawberry Salad with Grilled Chicken:
1. You can season the chicken breasts however you like. Simply with salt and pepper, or with an all-purpose poultry or grilling seasoning. I seasoned mine with a mixture of garlic powder, dried basil, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper and pinch of cayenne.
2. The cooking time for the chicken breasts in the recipe below is approximate and will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. I used chicken cutlets which are great for weeknight meals since they are thin and cook so quickly – roughly 3 minutes per side. Always cook your chicken to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
3. The vinaigrette can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in a container with a tight fitting lid in the refrigerator and give it a good whisk, or shake, before using.
Click here for the mint vinaigrette recipe.
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Spring Strawberry and Pea Salad with Chicken
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Grilled chicken and fresh strawberries make this spring salad a delightful meal. Sweet, savory, and satisfying!
Ingredients
- 6 cups (1420 ml) Mixed Salad Greens
- 1 cup (237 ml) Sugar Snap Peas or Snow Peas
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) Fresh Peas
- 0.3 cups (71 ml) Feta
- 1 cup (237 ml) Strawberries
- 1 Avocado
- 0.25 cups (59 ml) Nuts
- 1 lbs (454 g) Chicken Breasts or Cutlets
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat grill, grill pan, or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and brush the grates with oil.
- Season chicken as desired and place it on the grill.
- Grill for 4-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
- Remove chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine greens, peas, and feta in a large bowl.
- Slice or dice the chicken and add it to the salad along with the strawberries, avocado, and nuts.
- Drizzle with dressing and serve.
Notes
- For optimal grilling, ensure chicken is at room temperature before cooking.
- To maintain the strawberries’ freshness, add them just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored separately (chicken and salad) for up to 2 days; do not combine until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 100
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of greens should I use for the spring salad mix?
You should use a mixture of fresh greens like red romaine, baby spinach, arugula, and radicchio, but feel free to add bibb lettuce for extra flavor.
How do I grill the chicken for this salad?
Season the chicken with your choice of spices, then grill it over medium-high heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, typically about 6-7 minutes per side.
What ingredients are in the mint vinaigrette?
The mint vinaigrette is made with fresh mint, vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness.
